2008 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Outstanding Small Car

Written by: Thomas on 12/26/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Purchased for $12,000 used with 12,000 miles on it, and I love this car. Well worth every penny its quiet, stable, and solid. Handling is neutral and predictable, steering is effortless, and the brakes are very strong. I looked at a few of the "top" cars in this class before pulling the trigger on this car, and none could match it. The ride is good, interior comfortable and pleasing to the eye, and it handles better then expected. Good stereo, excellent ergonomics, classy looking exterior. Its an impressive small car in its class. I've shown it to friends and family and they all think "wow nice little car!" Especially from those who expect junk from Hyundai. This car is far from junk.

Favorite Features

Interior space, control layout, remote keyless entry, power mirrors with defrost, cool blue interior lighting, XM radio, LOTS of storage bins and cubbys inside, big trunk, strong brakes, simple and stylish good looks. Oh, and outstanding mpg.

Suggested Improvements

The engine is too loud under even modest acceleration. I understand this class of car and don't expect perfection, but this area can be improved. Just quiet the noise coming from the engine compartment a bit, and the car would be near perfect in its segment.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Nice car, but has flaws

Written by: Ahabgjb on 12/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

When I bought this car, I found very few flaws in it to start out with. I enjoyed the great MPG that the car had, as well as the good design and comfort. However, as time went on, I soon found myself to be an enemy with one thing: the trunk. If you do make the decision to buy this car, NEVER open it on a rainy day, at the risk of waterlogging everything inside your trunk. The design of the trunk pushes all the water on top of the trunk straight down into your carpeted trunk, making it incredibly difficult to deal with. Not only that, but it frequently unlatches itself, making it a safety hazard if you leave valuables in your trunk. Overall I'd say good buy, just be weary of the risks.

Favorite Features

Auxiliary mp3 connection, XM radio option, safety features

Suggested Improvements

Trunk!!!

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Solid, Quality Car

Written by: LWade on 12/04/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought the Elantra after my Chrysler Sebring coupe was flooded and died. This is my first new car and I love it. I've only had one problem involving a slow leak in a tire caused by a nail, which the dealership replaced for free (even though it was not their problem). I drive about 32 miles round-trip for my daily commute in Boston traffic, and my gas mileage still averages 30-34 mpg. It took a while to get used to the V4 engine, but it really moves great once you get up to speed. Unlike my Sebring, I can now have people sit in my backseat of my Elantra. As with any major purchase, research the seller and the product before you buy and there should be no issues.

Favorite Features

XM radio, automatic start, handling, interior and trunk capacity, comfortable seats, mileage

Suggested Improvements

sunroof, V6 engine

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Not aging gracefully

Written by: ecodrive on 12/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this Elantra due to excellent reviews and perceived quality. You certainly get a lot of car for the money. Unfortunately my post purchase experience has been somewhat disappointing. Interior materials are cheap and are showing premature wear. Upholstery is especially poor. One recall on fuel pump. LR window track fell off, oil leak. Engine is very noisy when pushed and has a very dated design...still has a timing belt to be replaced. Decent drive but you do indeed get what you pay for...

Favorite Features

Interior design, blue instrument lighting, ergonomics.

Suggested Improvements

Improve safety ratings (side impact), interior materials are way too cheap! Noisy power train.

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Been a good car

Written by: dncarac on 10/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought it about a year ago. It's been good since then. The gas mileage started low, but it's between 31 and 32 now for about a 12 mile commute weekdays. There's plenty of room inside and lots of places to put bottles of liquid (it gets hot and dry here). I find the car quiet, which is different from others - I have no explanation why, I just do. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and the car holds the road well at speed (65-70 mph). Some people don't like the serpentine shift pattern, but it took me less than a week to get used to it.

Favorite Features

I like the bluetooth cell phone system, and the XM radio. The price was good for the features.

Suggested Improvements

The A/C is weak, and needs to remain on the Max AC setting to work adequately. The dealer exerted a lot of pressure on me when I was there to the point where I was ready to walk out, but after an exhaustive search I realized this was the car I wanted and swallowed my ire.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Leaky car

Written by: Tim on 10/27/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car has had a water leak since new and has been to the dealership 7 times for it. After going to a body shop, it was determined that the seam sealer was falling out all over the bottom of the car. Hyundai refuses to replace the now mold smelling, rusting in the trunk, car and closed my case knowing that I will loose too much money if I lemon Law and probably not pursue this.I will never buy another Hyundai and will discourage as many as possible, as I have never in 20 years of new cars seen such poor customer service , and shoddy practices by a manufacturer and a dealership. Buyer beware.

Favorite Features

gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Qualify your dealerships to ensure competent trustworthy people are selling your product, and review your customer service and satisfaction policies, as you have none at this point.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Car For The Buck

Written by: jc1979us on 10/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great car. Best bang for the buck in its class. Has more safety features than its competitors. Excellent gas mileage. First new car I've owned and worth every penny.

Favorite Features

ABS/TC/ESC. Sunglasses holder. Battery cutoff if you accidentally leave headlights on when car is off.

Suggested Improvements

Noisy interior plastics. No 6-speed manual. Excessive engine noise entering the cabin. HID headlights. LED taillights.

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Love our elantra!

Written by: dtiman on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought our 2008 Elantra GLS sedan in early March 2009. I was a little disappointed with the high 20s MPG at first, but by the time the odometer reached 1000 miles, we were routinely getting 33mpg in 70/30 highway/city driving. 31-33 is what we routinely get in mixed driving recently. Overall, we really like this car. It has a good feel and is fun and easy to drive. We are closing in on 6,000 miles with no problems yet.

Favorite Features

MPG, sound system, truck remote release, cargo net,

Suggested Improvements

Some softer materials on the door panels would be nice rather than all plastic.

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Repeat Elantra buyer

Written by: leematthews on 09/11/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Have had my Elantra for a year and have had zero problems. Very smooth ride, good acceleration, nice interior and have gotten compliments in parking lots. My 2008 replaced my 2003 Elantra, which also had zero problems. I bumped into the buyer Sept. '09 and they have had zero problems with the 2003, and have gotten nothing but brake pads and oil changes at 75,000 miles.

Favorite Features

XM radio, interior size and design, large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

None.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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GREAT DEAL

Written by: Hyundai Lover on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've been through alot with this car, it took its bumps and bruises. It stood STRONG! Aside from plastics on the cheaper side, you get so much for what you pay for. Plus, i got a STEAL on it, don't overlook the Elantra! BEAST CAR!

Favorite Features

Great Mileage, Accessories

Suggested Improvements

More Durable Plastics

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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